Cruiser?
Cruiser , or cruiser (English cruiser) is a type of motorcycle.
The name comes from the English word cruise/cruising, which means “to cruise”, “to follow a course”, “to travel with the purpose of traveling”. It is characterized by a low seat, an upright seating position, often far forward footrests, an abundance of chrome and significant weight. The cruiser is not designed for fast driving or off-road driving; its engine usually does not have high power, but it has light and comfortable handling, high torque at low speeds and an appropriately “menacing” sound.
So, a big cruiser is a motorcycle for the road. Moreover, for roads in the most romantic sense of this meaning. You can experience the pleasure of owning it as such, you can enjoy the sound of the engine, the luggage space, the chrome, in a word, anything, but the further the road goes from the “romantic ideal”, the less you will be happy with this motorcycle. What is the ideal of the road? This is easy to explain with a picture:
I couldn’t find a better one, but I think you understand me anyway. Nevertheless, I will say - a big cruiser is (what a surprise) a motorcycle for a long road, for a highway that reaches the horizon.
And don't think I'm talking about American highways. No, we also have excellent roads.
highway M-4 "Don"
But as soon as the quality of the road becomes poor (and we have a lot of such roads outside federal highways), or you find yourself in heavy traffic (I live in Moscow, for me heavy traffic is the norm of life) - you will not experience the pleasure of the trip.
V-Twin?
In case you don't know what a V-Twin is, I have a simplified gif of it.
I actually have a lot of such schemes , but I’ll save them for the group.
And there's a catch with the V-Twin. Actually, I can roughly divide two-cylinder V-shaped engines into 3 humorous types:
- true believers
- unfaithful
- household
The true believers are Harley & Davidson Co. Every Harley owner will tell you this. Just kidding, not everyone. It’s worth distinguishing between Harley owners and Harley riders, and in general, we don’t give in to stereotypes, it makes our brains sour. But, one way or another, I called the Harlev version of the V-Twin “correct” - shaking and vibrating.
But excuse me, what if I like the image of such motorcycles, but don’t like sitting on a vibrator? The cunning Japanese took it and built such a unit. Moreover, there are countless modifications to the line. Judge for yourself: Shadow ACE; Shadow ACE Tourer; Shadow Saber; Shadow Spirit; Shadow Phantom; Shadow Slasher; just Shadow; Black Widow; Steed finally - and even then I might not remember everyone. Actually, not only Shadow and not only Honda - there are a lot of models. But we're talking mostly about mine.
By the way, Steed 400 and 600 and Shadow 400 and 600 are generally slightly different - and this happened because Steed was sealed for the domestic market, and Shadovka for the external market. And there is only one motorcycle.
Depending on the modification, the Shadovka may be more or less similar in engine to a Harley (read - more or less shaking, with maximum torque at higher or lower speeds). But it’s just similar - water cooling is a useful thing. Especially in a city like Moscow. And if only there was water cooling! The Japanese decided not to worry - there was plenty of time and stuck... a driveshaft in my back door, just look:
The cunning Japanese have done a lot of other things. Previously, rebels did hard tails - this is when there is simply no rear pendulum and shock absorber. Then, when they got their butts back, they started installing a soft tail - this is when the frame is welded so that it looks like there is a hard tail, and the shock absorber is hidden inside the frame, under the seat. And if this is still the case in Steed (by the way, it is much closer to a chopper than the others), then in Shadow they simply didn’t bother and installed 2 shock absorbers on the outside.
And with the Saber they went even further - somehow it was accepted that the air filter on the V-Twin was on the side. But the Japanese took the Shadow Saber and put it in the free space under the seat. Compare:
On the one hand, it seems wrong again. On the other hand, it’s more convenient.
And, well, household ones - in general, a V-shaped 2-cylinder engine does not have to be a low-speed engine. Such engines have easily taken root in the Afica Twin and Transalp and in the same Suzuki V-storm. And not only there, but we are not talking about them.
Okay, my first question to myself was scattered to smithereens, and we went to compare everything and everyone!
Landing
In general, landing is an individual concept. For some reason, it turned out to be terribly uncomfortable for me to sit on the Valkyrie 1500. However, the riding position on this motorcycle is comfortable. It should be convenient, if we remember that our task is to travel far and the goal is to travel rather than “get there faster.”
For a person who has never sat on such a motorcycle, I can suggest that you sit in a regular office or computer chair, stretch your legs horizontally, lower them to the floor and slightly pull them towards you so that your feet completely touch the floor, but it does not seem that you are pulling somewhere with your legs . That's basically all.
As for the width of the steering wheel... people often change the steering wheel to suit themselves (as well as the seat), but the general principle is this: imagine that cute twins with size 4 are standing close to each other in front of you. Take them by the extreme si, in general they took them. Now stop dreaming, clench your hands as expected and lower your arms parallel to the floor. If you didn't kick your legs during the process, congratulations, this is the right pose.
Riding
But here everything is radically different from any other class. The main thing that should not be forgotten is that this motorcycle is intended for a leisurely promenade, or a leisurely journey, preferably in a straight line and in no way implies cornering at sporty angles, wheelies or stoppies. Yes, I’m unlikely to enter a turn at the same speed as a sportbike or even a road bike. Perhaps my bike can even do this, but such body movements are not the point of moving on this bike. Although I tilted it to the steps several times, strong tilts are still not this door.
The same goes for dynamic maneuvers. If I ask my friend: “Is 6.3 to 100 fast?” - he will say “yes”, because he drives the 29th Volga and for him it is fast. And if I ask a sport biker, he will say... I don’t know, he’ll probably laugh.
If you have a fast motorcycle, you can easily imagine what 7 seconds to 100 is like. Now read the paragraph about landing again, take this position and imagine acceleration in it. Crap? That's what I think. That is, an opportunity to break away from the traffic at the start, in Moscow I sometimes use it (if the road is empty further), but in general, I can’t say that there is a big difference for me: 6.3 there, 7 or 10. Actually, I didn’t measure the acceleration — 6.3 are numbers from the Internet.
But what’s interesting is that it would seem, why then do you need more than a liter? Would you take 600-750 cc and ride?
In fact, many people do just that. But a friend of mine on an Aero with the same volume with a passenger and cargo squeezed out 145 and no more. And it’s light, and it chooses passengers... well, in general, it’s not heavy either))
Shadow Aero
And this is, in general, the answer - power is needed for the sake of speed reserve, acceleration reserve. And not for the sake of going 200+ km/h. Gold Wing can do it, it seems to have a maximum speed of 230. How often do we see a 200 Gold Wing lying around? Me not. However, Golda is a luxury tourer. There is a big difference here.
Honda Shadow 400 Slasher review
This motorcycle is very popular among novice bikers. It looks elegant, drives fast, and its price will pleasantly surprise the potential owner. The Honda Shadow 400 Slasher chopper is equipped with a 400 cc engine, which is quite enough for an inexperienced driver. The two-cylinder V-shaped engine with a liquid cooling system has a power of 33 hp.
The motorcycle is simple and reliable. The control system is not stuffed with unnecessary electronics, which only simplifies the maintenance of the bike.
Not luxury =(
Due to the fact that the image set by Harley has acquired “cruising” capabilities, many such useful things are missing in such motorcycles. I don’t want to chase luxury tourers and their equipment, but a banal cigarette lighter and heated grips in the factory trim for a cruiser would be a very reasonable solution. However, this is not only nitpicking, but I also have plans, and some of them have already been implemented - for example, the same cigarette lighter. Although it would certainly be nice to have another key position where some electrics would be turned on, the key can be removed. Or ABS.. Oh, dreams.
Actually, there are a minimum of basic equipment. Consider for yourself what I have:
- speedometer (in miles and kilometers)
- odometer (miles)
- odometer - “current trip” (in miles)
And indicators:
- high temperature
- little oil
- neutral (at the base of the steering wheel)
- turn signals (at the base of the steering wheel, not visible in the photo)
- high beam (at the base of the steering wheel, not visible in the photo)
And that is all. Although there is a lot of useful equipment for traveling, the same pressure (puncture) sensors in tires.
Thus, a cruiser, which is not a luxury tourer, is more of a motorcycle for “just riding” rather than a device for serious troubles. All this is very conditional, it would be stupid not to drive it somewhere far since, as you can see, it doesn’t have puncture sensors. People don't even drive like that. But this is the concept, and if you want to have this technique, you will have to accept it.
Model range of Honda motorcycles
Any model of Honda motorcycle is an example of Japanese quality in the field of motorcycle production, a symbol of speed and advanced technology. When you need to make a choice between different bikes, even the most experienced driver and connoisseur is at a loss from the elegant shapes and technical content of the brand’s motorcycles. Here is a list of the most popular Honda models.
AG-XR (2018 onwards)
The 2022 AG-XR is a lightweight, dynamic and fast motorcycle. This example of Japanese motorcycle technology pleases with all the possibilities that a sports-urban bike can offer. 1-cylinder 4T engine, air cooling and 5-speed gearbox, two types of brakes (single disc front and drum rear) and electric starter. Nothing extra, just speed and drive.
CliQ (2018 onwards)
This new Honda model can reach speeds of up to 83 km/h. Engine power is 8 hp. This scooter has an air cooler and an automatic transmission, a dual brake system, and a presentable appearance. All this will appeal to connoisseurs of durable and colorful Japanese scooters.
CMX500 Rebel (2018 onwards)
The Honda CMX500 Rebel motorcycle is an impressive and dark-looking rebel, joining the Honda lineup in 2022. This model is a classic chopper with a 47 hp engine. and a chain transmission, which perfectly reflects the character of the owner - a loner and a wanderer. The new and modern V2 engine, 6-speed gearbox and single disc brakes make the Honda CMX500 Rebel a reliable partner when traveling around the city and beyond.
CRF1000L Africa Twin (2018 onwards)
The 2022 CRF1000L Africa Twin is a Spartan born for the extreme. This motorcycle evokes a greedy desire to conquer the savannah or the endless expanses of American valleys and highways. The bike is equipped with a 95 hp 4-cylinder engine, liquid cooling, automatic transmission and double front brakes combined with single rear brakes. The CRF1000L Africa Twin is ready for adventure!
Riding Assist-e (2017 onwards)
The 2022 Riding Assist-e is the debut electric bike in Honda's lineup. This model is perfect for beginners getting used to two wheels. The center of gravity is lowered, excellent balancing without a gyroscope. The Honda Riding Assist-e model is based on the ASIMO robot project and the UNI-CUB balancing scooter. This car drives well without reaching high speeds, is safe and environmentally friendly, but it will require you to develop the habit of leaning when turning: the dashboard will help you navigate the level of inclination. The electric bike has 4 riding and balancing modes and is charged via the J1772 device.
X-ADV (2017 onwards)
The Honda X-ADV model is a nimble and compact motorcycle with a 55 hp 4-valve petrol engine. and liquid cooling, 6-speed gearbox. Dual front and single rear disc brakes provide reliable handling. This motorcycle is suitable for riding both in the city and in nature.
What defines a cruiser?
So I’m attached to this word, right?) And this is because even when I bought it, I already had almost the entire kit installed to complete such a motorcycle specifically for a long trip on the highway.
- platforms instead of footrests
- high and wide windshield
- gel seat for big American butt
- 2 capacious side bags with locks (locks on chopper-shaped bags are generally a rare thing)
The only things missing were roll bars and an adequate exhaust. However, I'm working on it
Speaking of bags. I have quick-release side bags, but even without them I still have a rear “suitcase” of 30 liters in volume. This means that I can easily carry with me a repair kit for wheels, a cover, a chain, a backpack with things, and all this can easily fit into just 1 bag. Nice? Of course, however, for a trip (especially if it is with tents) you will have to greatly moderate your appetites, and the ability to carry a bunch of things with you is somewhat...
corrupts
relaxes. But in general, yes, the chances that a motorcycle with bags that appears on the horizon will have the harness you need so much right now are much higher than that of the same sportbike.
What happens if you remove all this body kit? It will seem to be a cruiser, but not quite - not the canonical “chopper”, but also not a cruiser ready for “cruising”. In a word, it will not be much different in appearance from some HD 883. What then is the point of a larger cubic capacity in this case? Well, first of all, acceleration. Oddly enough, even owners of “quiet” bikes sometimes change their car to a “faster” one. The second, and no less important point is the roar of the engine. It is not for nothing that the owners of such equipment pay a lot of attention to the sound of the muffler and the muffler as a whole. And nothing adds “impressiveness” like a poorly suppressed muffler on a large cubic capacity
By the way, to the question of why calling such a motorcycle a chopper is wrong.
Chopper is a style of motorcycle.
The word “chopper” (English chopper - from the English “chop” - to chop) is firmly attached to the type of motorcycle with an elongated frame and front fork. Motorcycles with a standard frame and fork are usually called stock. The predecessors of choppers were serial motorcycles that were converted for street racing - “bobbers” (English bob - short haircut). Unlike bobbers, the future chopper not only has all unnecessary things removed - the front fender, sometimes the front brake, a deep rear fender, but the frame itself is also seriously redesigned. A high handlebar is installed, often quite shocking (for example, “Ape Hangers”), a backrest (“Sissy bar”), the roots of which come from the same bobbers, and forward footrests for the motorcyclist. Typical attributes of many neo-choppers are also a rear “roller” (a wide wheel, sometimes called VShK - Great Wide Wheel in Russia), a dry (hardtail) frame (without rear suspension), a gas tank in the form of a small drop, a faceted diamond tank or “coffin” "(coffin tank) and a constant abundance of chrome parts.
That is, the key features of the “canonical” chopper are a minimal body kit, a forward fork and a redesigned frame. For example, like this =)
Distinctive features of choppers from the Land of the Rising Sun
The Japanese have always strived to create impressive motorcycle models that stand out among their peers with unsurpassed technical characteristics. This also applies to Honda choppers.
Reliability, safety, durability, the presence of high-tech devices that greatly facilitate the process of driving a bike, as well as stylish design - all this characterizes Honda choppers. The photo eloquently demonstrates that these motorcycles differ from similar models. As a rule, American motorcycles are more aggressive in appearance, which cannot be said about Japanese ones.
So who are you finally?
To summarize, the Honda Shadow Saber is a “blank” motorcycle (don’t be offended by this name, there is no negative connotation here), a motorcycle that is popularly called a “chopper” (although from the point of view of chopper engineering, it is by no means a chopper) or a cruiser, which is much closer in essentially. This is a motorcycle that can be customized specifically to suit your needs. This is a bike for those who want a Harley but don't want a Harley and maybe want practicality. This is a motorcycle for those who take 2 wheels not to be on time somewhere, not for the sake of adrenaline, not for the opportunity to go where wolves are afraid to shit, but simply for the opportunity to go. This is a motorcycle that combines a chopper-cruiser image with Honda reliability and practicality.
This is my motorcycle and I'm glad I own it.
Honda VT 1300 – chopper in its truest form
This bike can be called the pearl of the Japanese chopper lineup. The presence of electronic control systems, high-tech brakes, dynamic design and decent technical characteristics - all this determined the popularity of the Honda VT 1300. The Honda chopper has a perfectly drawn tank that smoothly turns into an extravagant frame. The huge chrome V2 engine is literally on display and showing off its power.
The front wheel is large in size and complemented by elegant spokes. Thus, the Honda VT 1300 chopper has absorbed the best qualities of the bike, combining strong technical aspects and original design.
